Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Year:2008 | Volume:10 | Issue:3|Papers Count:11

Background: Stroke is one of the most common life-threatening neurologic disorders and is among the most important causes of disability in adult life. Disability of upper extremity is common in hemiparetic patients following stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of functional and strengthening exercises on joint range of motion, muscle strength and function of involved upper extremity in hemiparetic patients after stroke.Methods: In this double- blind randomized controlled trail, 28 hemiparetic patients aging 52.5±10.2 years with history of stroke at least 3 to 6 months ago, were recruited from Zahedan rehabilitation clinics. Patients were randomly assigned to either a strengthening (n=14) or functional (n=14) exercise group. Before and after 12 treatment sessions, upper extremity range of motion (degree), muscle strength (Kg) and function (ordinal) were measured using goniometer, dynamometer and River Mead Motor Assessment scale (RMA), respectively. For parametric data independent and paired t-tests and for nonparametric data Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare pretreatment and post treatment test results between groups and within them. Results: The mean±SD of upper extremity function increased from 6.8±2.2 to 10.3±1.7 in the functional exercise group and from 7.07±2.1 to 9±1.4 in the strengthening exercise group (p<0.05).Also, the mean range of motion of shoulder, elbow and wrist joints and strength of upper extremity muscles increased in both groups (p<0.05). After treatment, the mean upper extremity function was greater in the functional exercise group than the strengthening one (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was seen between two groups in measures of joint range of motion and muscle strength of upper extremity (p>0.05).Conclusion: Both the functional and strengthening exercises improve involved upper extremity function, joint range of motion and muscle strength of upper extremity. However, in order to improve upper extremity function, the functional exercises are more effective than other one.

Background: The process of acute leukemia and adverse effects of chemotherapy are long lasting and substantially reduce the quality of life in patients. So, self-care programs should be developed to maintain independence and sense of well-being in patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a self-care educational program on quality of life (QOL) of patients with acute leukemia.Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 70 patients in Tabriz Hematology and Oncology Center. The patients were randomly divided in two groups of case and control. The Quality of Life /Cancer Survivors (QOL-CS) questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life. This questionnaire consists of four (physical, psychosocial, social and spiritual) domains. The patients completed the questionnaires two weeks after completion of first chemotherapy program. A self-care educational program was conducted and booklets were given to the patients of study group. All patients were followed for 4 months. The quality of life of both groups was again measured and compared.Results: There was no significant difference between two groups in the items such as age, sex, level of education, income and occupation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between QOL mean scores of both groups before the intervention, however the QOL mean in patient group (221.63±37.36) improved significantly compared to control group (177.20±21.82) (P= 0.000). Also, the overall QOL decreased in control group (P=0.000).Conclusion: Our results confirmed the positive effects of educational self-care programs on the QOL of patient with acute leukemia. Extensive educational and self-care programs along with longterm follow up are suggested.

Background: Virologic parameters and liver enzymes are generally measured to determine prognosis of hepatitis B. The present study was conducted to determine the liver function indices and sonographic findings of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in HBeAg-negative and HBeAg-positive patients.Materials and Methods: This Historical Cohort study was conducted on 234 patients with active CHB (117 HBeAg-negative and 117 HBeAg-positive) in 2007. The patients who were referred to Hepatitis Clinic of Blood Transfusion Organization were included in the study.Results: One hundred eighty patients were male, majority of them were resident of Sistan province and married. The mean age of patients with CHB HBeAg-negative was more than patient with CHB HBeAg-positive (38.03±11.1 vs 28.77±9.8). There were no significant difference in Bilirubin, Albumin, ALT and AST levels and also PT between the two groups, but a significant difference in sonographic findings of liver was demonstrated between two groups. Conclusion: Based on our results, it is recommended to use other diagnostic indices including virologic parameters and histopathology to distinguish CHB patients.

Background: Regular exercise in mild to moderate intensity can induce immunologic system, but high intensity exercise suppressed immune function. Weight loss is a medical problem in athletes, especially weight categorized sports. Supplements consumption such as creatine and glutamine can increase the performance of athletes, but the effects of these supplements on immune function are not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of weight loss and the consumption of glutamine and creatine on peripheral leukocyte and its differentiation in elite wrestlers.Materials and Methods: This study was carried on 21 elite wrestlers. They were divided into 3 equal groups. Body weight was decreased in all groups during 6 days by similar methods, including limitation of calorie, water consumption and physical activity. The first and second groups consumed glutamine (0.3 gr/kg/day) during weight loss and recovery period, but the second group, received a single dose of creatine during recovery period (0.3 gr/kg) too. The third group was control group with weight loss without supplement consumption. Blood sampling was performed first, after weight loss and after recovery period. The diet during study period was the same in all groups. The data was analyzed by repeated measures test.Results: The mean age and body mass index of athletes were 22.23±2.50 years and 25.8±2.70, respectively. Leukocytes and neutrophils count were increased and lymphocyte and monocyte count decreased after weight loss. These changes were in normal range and were compensated after recovery period. There was no significant difference between 3 groups, although the lymphocyte percentage increased in glutamine group.Conclusion: Rising in the leukocytes and neutrophils counts were found during weight loss and recovery period. Although the lymphocyte percentage increased following glutamine consumption, but the complex of glutamine and creatine could not affect WBC changes in subgroups.

Background: The study of tooth structure has therapeutic and anthropological significance. Being familiar with variations in root number can aid dentists in endodontic treatment as well as tooth extraction. One of these variations is the anomaly of primary mandibular molars which have three roots. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of three-rooted primary mandibular molars in Zahedan city.Material & Methods: In this descriptive study we investigated 1500 files related to pediatric patients registered in Zahedan faculty of dentistry in 2007. Some of these files had radiographs. According to these documents, three-rooted primary mandibular molars were recorded by a pedodontist. Sex, race and the position of third root were recorded too. We used frequency tables and SPSS software to analyze and describe our data.Results: Among 1500 investigated files, 677 files had mandibular periapical radiographs and 49 three-rooted primary molars were found. The number of boys and girls were 32 (65.3%) and 17 (34.7%) respectively.Conclusion: The study suggests that the prevalence of this anomaly is common in Zahedan city. This finding can improve treatment options in pediatric patients.

Background: Psychedelic drugs such as ecstasy which are usually taken by youth have diverse effects on body tissues and neurotransmitters like serotonin. In this study, we have examined the effects of these drugs on the pituitary-gonadal axis in rats to assess the process of spermatogenesis in testis.Materials and Methods: Fifty mature rats of Wistar race were divided into 5 groups of ten as experimental and control groups. Since the amount of effective substance methylenedioxymethamphethamine (MDMA) was not clear in each pill, first the pills were weighed and solved in normal saline to prepare a standard solution. All rats were injected at 3 dosage (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) using insulin syringe and special feeder for 28 days. Then the blood samples were taken to measure FSH, LH and testosterone concentrations. The testis tissue was removed and after sectioning and staining, was examined for any changes. The achieved results were analyzed in SPSS software using T- test and ANOVA.Results: The serum levels of LH did not change significantly in experimental group compared to control group. A significant double impact was seen in the serum concentration of FSH in the experimental groups. A meaningful increase was seen in different groups in serum concentration of testosterone which was probably due to increase in the release of serotonin after exposure to ecstasy. The testis examination showed that its tissue has been atrophied compared to control group which may be due to the hyperthermic effect of the drug that may directly affect spermatogenesis.Conclusion: According to the hormonal examinations and microscopic studies, we concluded that long lasting use of ecstasy causes destructive effects on the pituitary-gonadal axis and also causes testicular atrophy.

Background: Male contraception is necessary for control of population growth in developing countries. There are several methods for contraception in females but there is no definite method for males. In this study, we evaluated the effects of yarrow extract on spermatogenesis in Suri mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty five mice were divided into 5 groups. They were treated by ethanolic extract, hydroalcoholic extract, sham groups for them and control group. After treatment period, their testes were studied histologically. Degenerated cells, giant cells, complete spermatogenesis in different tubules and disorganization were evaluated. Difference between pretest and posttest body weight and gonadal weight index were also evaluated. Results: There were statistically significant difference between groups for degenerated cells, giant cells, complete spermatogenesis in different tubules and disorganization (P<0.05). The difference between pretest and posttest body weight and gonadal weight index were not statistically significant. No complete maturation arrest was noted in the specimens.Conclusion: Although a quantitative difference was noted between groups, but we cannot recommend yarrow for male contraception, because it could not stop spermatogenesis completely.

Background: Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injuries are the third common complication after infections and alveolar osteitis during third molars (M3s) extraction. The most common cause of IAN injuries, is the proximity of M3 apices with mandibular canals, so the pre-operative radiographic views (such as common or advanced techniques) are outmost important to detect the proximity, number and position of M3s roots, and mandibular canal branches. the aim of this study was to assay the exact detection of relationship between M3s and mandibular canals in panoramic views and CT-Scans.Method and Material: 165 panoramic radiographs were assessed to detect the proximity signs between M3 and mandibular canals. 9 patients (with 18 teeth) were detected and CT scan was obtained.Results: In panoramic views of 18 teeth, we could see root darkening in 11 cases, interruption of white lines in 11 teeth, deflected root in 6 of them and canal divergence in 4 cases. In CT scan views 12 teeth (%66/6) showed the association with mandibular canals and the 6 other teeth, in spite of significant proximity signs in panoramic views, did not have any relation with the canal. The associated teeth were mostly seen in women, left side and mesioangular and most of the canals placed in lingual side to root apices.Conclusion: Admittedly, the IAN injuries are complication during M3s extraction. So we have to use the pre-operative radiographs for exact detection of anatomical proximities. If the proximity signs between M3s and mandibular canals are seen in panoramic radiographs, it is highly suggested to use advanced radiographic views such as tomography and CT scans.

Background: In the recent years, the problem of increased amount of municipal solid wastes such as paper and paperboard and also unsafe disposal of them, cause damage to living environment. Without implementing a good recycling process, wasting of national capital and destroying of natural resources will ensue. Regarding the importance of recycling, we evaluated the economic and environmental aspects of paper and paperboard recycling of municipal solid wastes in Isfahan city.Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional- descriptive study that was done in 2006. The required data was achieved by field observations, library studies, interview with head of recycling organization, studying archived documents in that organization and finally analyzing them.Results: From 24,864 tones paper and paperboard used in year 2006 in Isfahan city, only 15.39% were recycled and the rest of them (84.61%) which was mixed with wet solid waste were thrown away. The economic and environmental advantages of 15.39% recycling paper and paperboard in Isfahan city in year 2006 were saving 689,011 cubic meter water, saving 30,623 gigajoule energy and prevention of cutting 65,061 trees. The income from selling recycled paper and paperboard in monitored year was about 1,951,841,000 Rials.Conclusion: Paper and paperboard recycling from Isfahan municipal solid wastes has economic and environmental justification.

Traumatic dislocation of the hip joint in children is an uncommon injury and is considered as an orthopedic emergency. In children, it can occur as a result of minimal trauma, which is attributed to a soft pliable acetabulum and ligamentous laxity. In skeletally mature adolescents, a greater force is required to dislocate the hip joint. Delayed reduction will result in long-term complications such as avascular necrosis and degenerative arthritis. Avascular necrosis is related to the duration of dislocation. A poorer prognosis is associated with delay in reduction beyond 6 hours, advanced skeletal maturity, or multiple traumas. We report a 18-month child with traumatic dislocation of hip that was reduced within 6 hours of occurrence. The follow up visit after 1 year revealed normal physical examination and no evidence of any post-traumatic changes were noted. Post-reduction treatment remains without a consensus.